“This work of dreaming and growing hope is a distinct privilege. The story of the Palestinian people amazes and inspires me.”

Beth Nelson Chase, of Mt. Morris, Illinois, has been serving Bright Stars of Bethlehem for more than five years. Her unique background brings together clinical, teaching, administrative and development positions with a wide range of organizations.

Unique experience helps support and serve Palestinians

Over the past 30 years, Beth has worked for Lutheran Social Services of Illinois, Sinnissippi Centers, Inc., Warburg Theological Seminary, Lutheran Life Communities and Wheat Ridge Ministries. Beth is also a Board Certified Music Therapist and has served in clinical and teaching positions in California, Michigan, Iowa and Illinois.

Beth received her BME from Wartburg College in Waverly, IA and her MME from Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI. She is currently President-Elect for the Association of Lutheran Development Executives. She has served as Chairperson for the Wartburg College Alumni Board, Illinois Statewide American Cancer Society Board, Northern Illinois Synod Church Council, ELCA Task Forces and Committees.

With a deep love for music, Beth directs and sings with the Soul Notes, an a cappella spiritual/jazz ensemble and is an active member, along with her husband, John, of St. James Lutheran, Forreston, IL where she is Director of Music and serving on the council. She and John, live in Mt. Morris, Illinois, west of Chicago, where John is a social worker.